Things to Do in Beyoğlu Istanbul, Turkey For the first timer, or even the consummate return visitor, Istanbul’s endless sprawl and depth can be an overwhelming experience to take in (this “Like a Local Guide to Istanbul” can help though). The history alone of this one-time Roman, Byzantinian, Latin and Ottoman capital is a colossal …
The hotels in Istanbul, Turkey come in a wide variety of styles and prices, and it isn’t difficult, when choosing where to stay, to book a hotel in the historic districts of Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. In choosing these ‘where to stay’ options, we gave priority to centrally located hotels with free WiFi. Our ‘where to stay’ …
Join me as we tour Venice, one of the great cities of Europe, on foot. Venice walking tours are a fantastic way to explore the city of a thousand canals. Obviously, before we visit, we research by reading, doing internet searches, and talking to others to prepare for our destination. These activities are all worth the effort.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Bucket List Challenge Most people have heard of and even visited a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which can be found in almost all countries in the world. These are sights of cultural or environmental significance (or both) that we need to protect for future generations. Heritage is our legacy …
Visit the Balkans Now Before it Turns Into A Tourist Trap At the beginning of the year, Vogue, Condé Nast, Travelzoo, and a wealth of others declared Eastern Europe the destination of 2017. If you are a follower of trends, then now is the time to visit the Balkans, because this is the most …
Yes, the fairytale-like German Christmas Markets are magical, but also cold. Let’s take a look at some of the most desirable, sought after and sunniest European winter destinations. Those accustomed to stunning sunsets and balmy eves during their European getaways might balk at the thought of traveling to the Old World during the long, cold winter. But …
Need five reasons to drink Turkish wine on your next visit to Turkey? The country’s wines are quickly growing in prominence worldwide, and it’s no wonder why. First, the world’s very first wines were likely made in the region. Second, Turkey ranks sixth in the world in total grape production. Third, the only countries that …
From the outside, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey looks like an impenetrable fortress. Thick, red-stained stucco walls stair step up in collections of annexes to a massive grey dome. Deep set windows dotting the surface are blackened by the shadows inside. Four flat pillars protruding over the narthex and apse resemble stoic guards keeping vigilant …
Now’s the time to visit Ukraine! It’s an exciting time of progress and challenges with Ukraine’s evolving new identity post-Soviet rule. Still in its infancy of tourism, prices are reasonable (compared to Western standards). The historic churches, monuments, top-notch museums are amazing, the mountain vistas and beaches are dazzling, and then there is the famed …
So just what was it that brought me to Southeast Turkey? Well, I was standing in a small art gallery in Istanbul. Part of the gallery was dedicated to photography by contemporary Turkish artists. And, what caught my attention was a series of photographs depicting a town on the banks of the River Tigris. Some of the …